Something More to See

Adam and learned several lessons this past weekend on how best to live in India.

It begins with a tough lesson for dear Adam. Adam realized that his stomach is not made out of steel on Thursday. In an attempt to be polite (despite warnings from a friend), Adam was encouraged to try food from an Indian buffet line.

Instead of listening to his gut reaction, his gut reacted a few painful hours later. He came home looking a funky shade of gray with no need to announce what had happened. He did in his meekest voice say to me a bit later (and I needed to stifle a laugh...) "Honey, the devil is in my stomach."

Needless to say he was beginning to recover 12 hours later and was a trooper out the next evening. What brought on his full recovery he claimed however was finding a cheeseburger, fries and shake two days later which he states "fully brought him back to life." Who knew a burger and a coke can be the fastest way to an exorcism?

So, lesson number 1. If you have any inkling that you shouldn't eat what you are eating in India i.e. raw veggies, dairy meat- DON'T EAT IT. If your friends encourage you and you don't want to be rude, well then...DON'T EAT IT. If your friends jump off a cliff....DON'T EAT IT!

Lesson number 2.... A subtler message on life.

Adam and I left Saturday morning to make a three hour trek to Mysore, India. We came to Mysore to visit with my friend Carla's mom, Maggie who was visiting from Minnesota. Maggie was travelling with an Indian couple, Raj and Shakun (who also live in MN) but come to India 4-6 weeks out of the year.

Before arriving at Raj and Shakun's place we went to the famous Mysore Palace. We strolled in our stocking feet (our shoes needed to be parked in "shoe parking") and observed beautiful heirlooms, gold, and crystal chandeliers, while it appeared other Indians were observing a certain Red head and myself (frequently asking to take our photos and to ask us where we were from.)

However the most beautiful views came later when taking a morning walk with Raj and two of his sisters, Maggie and myself.  We walked their neighborhood street and he drew to my attention to his two sisters walking ahead of us, who were hunched over a flower. He said, "What are they looking at now? They walk the same street and yet they always find something more to see."

This opened my own eyes to what was around me and reminded me that the most beautiful things in life, are not found in extravagant palaces and one can find the beautiful in everyday life. What may appear as mundane to some is new to others. As we walked, I found myself mesmerized by women with baskets on their heads, sharing the road with cows, a momma pig and her piglets, and even trash on the ground.

The truth is, this reminds me that even if not in India- no street walked will ever look the same, no moment with a friend or family member can be repeated. The only thing that is constant- is the change. Why not take a look and realize that I can always find more to see in this life?

                                                   Moo...it is not what's for dinner...

                                             Hello, Mommy Pig.

                                                   Maggie and Lori on a walk.

                                   Spending time with Shakun, Maggie, Raj and family.

                                      Holding hands at the Mysore Palace Bazaar.